20 September 2024

Pheu Thai party’s Chiang Mai MP Julapun Amornvivat, who is a member of a political clan in the northern province, is being widely tipped to become foreign minister in the new government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Sources in Pheu Thai say that its Cabinet line-up has been finalized, with Srettha serving concurrently as prime minister and finance minister.

Julapun, 48, was noted for his performance during House debates, which often saw him being openly critical of the Prayut government.

Son of a former deputy prime minister, Sompong, he has served on House committees on economic affairs, finance and budgeting.

He is not, however, known to have any experience in foreign affairs.

His father was leader of Pheu Thai until recently and still wields political influence in the northern province. Julapun graduated in economics from Chulalongkorn University and earned his master’s in business administration from Boston University.

Julapun was one of only two Pheu Thai candidates to win in Chiang Mai constituencies in the May general election. The Move Forward party made an almost clean sweep of the province.

He is married to Visaradee Techateerawat, who is also a Pheu Thai MP, representing Chiang Rai.